Another Fall Floral

At the risk of appearing to be a one-trick pony, I’m wearing another fall floral today:

Today's fall floral is less bold than yesterday’s, but remains one of my favorite dresses to remix.  The bits of color throughout the dress lend themselves to several color combinations.  Today I picked up on the burgundy, olive and tan tones in the dress (vintage) with olive tights (Hue), burgundy shoes (Naya “Jada” via Nordstrom) and a tan cardigan (Old Navy).  I added a thin belt (Gap) and fully intended to add earrings but that didn’t happen.  I did wear my hair in a side pony though, so you’re welcome for that.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Gracey

P.S. Side ponies are totally coming back.  Probably.

Fall Floral – Remixed

As I said before, I think this skirt is just perfect for fall.  And as its still fall for another month, I thought I’d get another wearing in:

Once again, I’m unable to resist the lure of the burgundy and plum flowers on this skirt when deciding what to pair it with.  This time I paired the skirt (thrifted) with burgundy tights (Hue) and plum polka dot bow blouse (Old Navy) layered under a black sweater (Hinge via Nordstrom).  I added my trusty riding boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom) and vintage carnelian earrings (Lil’ Gypsy Vintage).

Here is a close up of the earrings:

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  In spite of my snow-fears, we didn’t run into any in the pass and only encountered a little bit while cutting the Christmas trees.  I do have some photos from my trip; I’ll try to get those posted this weekend.

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Reader Question – For the Love of Leggings

Lovely reader Karina emailed me the other day regarding ideas for flattering ways to wear leggings for those of us with a little bit bigger tummy area.  Specifically she asked about what type of tops to wear with leggings so that “a little bit bigger tummy area” doesn’t get misinterpreted to “bun in the oven.”

As it turns out, I LOVE leggings and since I’m still out of the office and so don’t have an OOTD photo, I figure this is a great time to talk about how this giant wears leggings.

Layers, Layers, Layers

In my mind, leggings lend themselves to layering like nobody’s business.  And layering can be a great way to disguise a midsection without looking too bulky.  (A long scarf can help do that as well).

Leggings + Tunic + Sweater + Scarf:

 Long-Sleeve Tee + Dress +  Poncho Sweater + Leggings:

Leggings + Tunic + Button Down + Scarf:

Put a Belt on It

Depending on where you belt and the width of your belt, belting can be a great way to highlight or even create a waist.

Leggings + Tunic + Skinny Belt + Cardigan:

Leggings + Tunic + Medium Belt + Cardigan + Scarf:

Boots, Boots, Boots

I always wear my leggings with boots.  Even booties can help balance out a thicker upper body.

Leggings + Skirt + Long-Sleeve Sweater + Scarf + Mid-Calf Boots:

Blouse + Dress + Leggings + Scarf + Suede Booties:

Tunic + Cardigan + Scarf + Leggings + Riding Boots:

What about you, Reader Friends?  Are you a fan of leggings?  And what is your favorite way to wear them?

Gracey

Black Friday Blog Awards

It's Black Friday, but I'm not shopping.  I'm still in Northern California "enjoying" the snow (I'm not a snow girl).  But, I didn't want any of you who might be reading blogs over the Thanksgiving Holiday to miss me too terribly (it's okay to miss me somewhat, I miss you all too) so I scheduled this post.  That's right, even when I'm away, I'm thinking about you guys.

Here's the deal.  Three of my lovely blogging friends, Kelsey of Charming Pumpkin, Karla of Frugal Big Girl and Erin of Plus Sized Curves Ahead gave me a couple of blog awards last week and I'm quite excited about it because it gives me the opportunity to do two things.  One, I get to share a little bit about myself for my new readers and for those of you who've wondered about my accent.*  Two, and this is my favorite part, I get to share some of my favorite new blogs with you guys.  Very exciting, no? 

Let's get started.  Here are the awards:

And here are the rules:

·         Link back to the fabulous blogger you got the award from (done, done and done)

·         Write 7 random things about yourself (I excel in random things, so, don't worry, I got this)

·         Fill in the question form below (I'll do my best)

·         Give the award to 10 other blogs and let them know (Love to!)

7 random things about me:

1.      I love books.  I read constantly, I just forget to update the What I'm Reading thingy in my sidebar.

2.      I wear a size 10 shoe and am under the impression that is practically dainty for someone my height.  Don't disabuse me of this notion.

3.      I was a three sport athlete in high school - cross country, basketball and track and field.

4.      Zombies both scare and enthrall me; as a result, I am obsessed with The Walking Dead.

5.      I love to laugh.  A lot.  And as loudly as possible.

6.    Grumpy people make me smile.

7.   I ride my bike to work every day, rain, shine or snow.  And it's the best thing I do for myself.

Question and Answer:

·         Name your favorite song: This probably isn’t the best way to start a Q&A, but I don't have a favorite song.  I can, however, tell you that right now I am listening almost constantly to The Black Keys.  Especially their album, Brothers.

·         Name your favorite dessert: Strawberry Lemonade Cake

·         What pisses you off: Besides snow?  People who say “I seen that…” – it makes me stabby when people say “seen” instead of “saw.”

·         When you're upset, you: Shriek and threaten to elbow the offending party in the neck, of course.

·         Your favorite pet: Dogs, I still miss my puppy immensely. 

·         Black or white: I’m both, actually.

·         Your biggest fear: Um… zombies.  Duh.

·         Best feature: I would say my wit, but I guess my smile is okay too.

·         Everyday attitude: I some how manage to be both high strung and disengaged.  It’s a talent.

·         What is perfection: Being woken up late on a Sunday morning from the light streaming through the trees. 

·         Guilty pleasure: The Walking Dead (seriously, I’m obsessed).

And here are some of my new favorite bloggers:

·         Amanda at Something Old Meets Something New – we’re physically polar opposites, but Amanda and her blog are so sweet, you can’t help but love them.

·         Jenn at The Suburb Experiment – Jenn is hilarious and we all know how I like to laugh (see # 5 above).  She’s good at dressing herself too.

·         Tracy at The Closet Shopper – great style and seriously diverse musical interests.  What’s not to like?

·         Kassi at The Closet Intervention – Kassi is a fellow tall blogger with fabulous style and a fabulous personality to match.

·         Fashion Dynamite – Great style and pretty pictures in the woods; an all around lovely blog.

·         Natasha at Required2BeInspired – I’d be inspired by Natasha’s blog even if she didn’t make it a requirement.  She has fabulous style and makes a lot of her own clothes. 

·         Krista at Lazy Saturdays – Krista is crafty, has great style and I LOVE her remix posts.

·         Cambria at Jupe – Cambria is super sweet and her style is what I’d aspire to if I weren’t a total drama queen.

·         Sydney at Basic Cravings – Sydney has very clean, very classic style while working color and the best statement necklaces ever.  Ever, I tell you, ever.

·         Dawn at Suitcase Vignettes – I loved Dawn’s blog from the first moment I read it.  And that was before I found out that she throws the best Halloween parties and pairs awesome fur hats with sequins.  Love.

* I'm just kidding - I have a slight lisp, but no accent.

Wear It Wednesday: Tunics

I'm participating in Wear it Wednesday today, which is being hosted by the lovely Bekah of Matters of Merrymaking.  This Wednesday's item to wear is tunics, about which I am fairly excited because I love tunics.  And my favorite way to wear them is layered over leggings as I've done here:

In front of a huge sequoia at McMennamins Grand Lodge.

For this outfit I paired snake print leggings (Target) (you can sort of see the snakiness of them in the last shot) under a cream and gold lace tunic (thrifted) which I in turn layered under my trusty black sweater (Jones New York via Ross).  I added flat black boots (Chinese Laundry via Piperlime), a brass and crystal necklace (via Special Portland) and a few bracelets (Banana Republic and Macys).  Full disclosure; I'm pretty sure this tunic was originally sold as a dress.  But, as you can see, it's nowhere near dress length on my tall self.  So, for you tall ladies out there, if you're looking for tunics, look in the dress section - that's what I do.

To see how everyone else wore their tunics today, stop by Matters of Merrymaking; Bekah has a whole list of participants.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!  I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Gracey

Simple Blue

I had a horrible time getting dressed this morning.  I started with a vintage sweater dress that I was going to wear with a blazer, a la Destrehan’s Daughter, but it was too hot.  Which is saying something because it’s pretty cold here.  Then I tried a plaid skirt and a fuzzy sweater but it was just too bulky; I looked like Bulky McGeen.  Then I tried this blue sweater with the plaid skirt and felt like Lumpy McGee.  I also tried this sweater with a camel skirt but felt like Frumpy McGee.  Finally, I ended up with this:

When it was all said and done, this was the outfit I felt most comfortable in today.  Just a simple sweater (Old Navy), jeans (Bandolino via Macys) and boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom).  Although I love layers and lots of color, I have to admit that sometimes simple is best. 

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Gracey

P.S. This will be my last “live” post until next Tuesday.  I’m going out of town for Thanksgiving tomorrow, but do have some posts scheduled that, Blogger willing, will post over the next couple of days.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I will get caught up on all your blogs when I get back.  Promise.

P.P.S The weather has finally driven us inside for our photo sessions so bear with me as we try to figure these indoor photos out.

Take Four: Saturated Hues from Coast to Coast

Hello!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  Mine was busy, busy, busy, but in the most fabulous way.  Also fabulous is today’s Take Four theme: Saturated Hues.  I’m a big fan of rich, bold color, so the berry, emerald and cobalt shades that were shown on the runways for this fall thrill me to no end.  For my take on the trend, I went with berry:

I layered my cranberry wool cardigan (Ports International, thrifted) with a black and cream brushstroke printed sleeveless dress (Target).  I added a thin brown belt (Gap), black tights (Spanx via Nordstrom), burgundy pumps (Naya “Jada” via Nordstrom) and a few accessories. 

Want to see more outfits incorporating this fall’s saturated hues?  Visit Bekah at Matters of Merrymaking, Kelsey at Charming Pumpkin and Karla at Frugal Big Girl to see how they rocked the trend.

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Gracey

Pleats and Plaid

Alternately titled: More Things That Go with Orange

I think I’m breaking one of the cardinal rules of style blogging in that I’m wearing the same scarf I wore yesterday again today:

But, hey, is it my fault that orange goes with everything?  Of course not; I’m just taking advantage of that fact (yes, Erin, it’s a fact) by pairing my favorite scarf with everything I possibly can.  Today I paired the scarf (Nordstrom) with a handmade pleated plaid skirt (vintage, thrifted), gray wool sweater (thrifted), tights (Spanx via Nordstrom) and what are apparently my new favorite booties (Nine West via TJ Maxx).

It has gotten very, very cold here in Oregon lately causing me to shift my aesthetic more towards function over form.  I generally try to maintain both in my outfits, but during the winter, the weather forces me to become increasingly practical.  For example, wool sweaters and cashmere scarves help keep me warm during my freezing bike commute.  And the tights both help to keep me warm, but also dry quickly if I have to ride my bike in the rain.  Which, this being Oregon, I usually have to ride my bike in the rain.

How about you, Dear Readers?  Does the cold weather increase the functionality of your outfits, or are you still all about form?

Happy Friday, Everyone!  And have a fabulous weekend!

Gracey

A Few of My Favorite Things

This outfit contains quite a few of my favorite things:

Orange cashmere scarf (Nordstrom) that goes with everything?  Check.  Riding boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom) that I wear with everything?  Check.  Studded belt (Michael Michael Kors via Nordstrom) that makes me feel like a bit of a Billy Bad Bottom?  Check.  To these favorite things, I added an olive cardigan (Target) layered over a gray tunic (Tulle), black riding leggings (Vince Camuto via Nordstrom) and some fringed square hoop earrings (vintage via Lil’ Gypsy Vintage).

What about you, Reader Friends?  What are some of your favorite items to wear and why?

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Colorful Collegiate

A co-worker commented that my outfit today is very “collegiate,” and I guess it is:

It does have a sort of prepster, collegiate look about it, which isn’t my usual style, but I like it.  I think the unusual color combination keeps it from being run-of-the-mill collegiate and feels more like me.  Full disclosure; as much as this color combination feels like “me,” I actually borrowed the idea from this outfit of Kendi’s.  But, as soon as I saw her post, I knew I wanted to pair my bright yellow sweater (Nordstrom, thrifted) and mauve skirt (vintage, thrifted).  I added navy tights (Target), colorful socks, lace-up booties (Nine West via TJ Maxx) and a multi-colored scarf.

Interestingly enough, I don’t usually consider yellow to be a fall color.  I know it was shown in quite a few fall collections:

Left to Right: Thakoon, Max Mara, Jill Sander & Karen Walker

But it was not anything I thought I’d try.  Now that I have tried it though, it makes sense to me.  I think this sweater will be a nice counterpoint to our increasingly rainy weather here in Oregon.

How about you, Dear Readers?  How do you feel about lemon yellow for fall?  Is it something you’d try?

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey

Matchy-Matchy vs. Clashy-Clashy

I considered wearing red skinny jeans with this color-blocked sweater:

But, that would have been too matchy-matchy for my tastes.  Given the choice, I usually prefer to be clashy-clashy rather than matchy-matchy.  There may be some deep-seeded psychological reason behind that preference; such as I’m afraid to look too put together lest people start to expect it from me, but mostly I think it’s just that I’m drawn to riotous color. 

Like the bright mustard yellow color of these cords:

These cords (Gap) make me happy and it made me happy today to pair them with this color-blocked sweater (Old Navy) and my all-time-favorite boots (Born Crown “Sosie” via Nordstrom).  I also added some bracelets and a watch that could serve to tie the look together if one was insistent on that sort of thing.

What about you, Reader Friends?  Do you tend towards matchy-matchy or clashy-clashy?

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Gracey

My Inner Liberace

You may find it hard to believe, but Liberace was not, in fact, my inspiration for this outfit:

I was actually inspired by a couple of other bloggers (Kendi of Kendi Everyday here and Sarah of Just Take a Bow here) wearing shirts as jackets and thought it was something I’d like to try.  But, I had to find the right shirt and during my search, my inner Liberace apparently came out and I ended up with this fascinating bit of awesomeness:

I’m aware that it’s a bit (or a lot) ridiculous, but I still maintain that it’s also a bit (or a lot) awesome.  And crazy; awesome or ridiculous, it’s definitely crazy.  And because my aesthetic is often “in for a penny, in for a pound” I decided to compound the crazy by wearing the shirt-as-jacket (thrifted) over a printed, ruffle front blouse (Wal-Mart).  I added wide leg jeans (Gap), Mary Jane wedges (Corso Como) and a leopard belt (?), because if there is anything this outfit needed, it was another pattern.

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Gracey

Gracey and the Chrysanthemum Coat Dress

I don’t know if you guys noticed this or not, but a lot of thrift stores combine their vintage clothes with their Halloween costumes during October.  Keeping that in mind, and keeping in mind that “Halloween” items are now 50% off at Goodwill, I thrifted this chrysanthemum coat dress for a mere $6.50 last weekend:

Now you may be thinking, “Gracey, what’s that peeking out below the hem of your awesome chrysanthemum coat dress?”  Well, lemme show you:



Well, hello there, Pleated Skirt.



Yep, I layered the coat dress over a cream pleated skirt (vintage, thrifted) so the skirt would flash when I walked.  I also wore a black turtleneck (Gap), black tights (Spanx “High Waist Tight End Tights” via Nordstrom) and black booties (Nine West “Peekaboo” via Piperlime).  And I then I belted the whole shebang with a patent leather belt (Nine West via Ross). 

I’m hesitant to say this coat dress is my favorite thrifted item ever, but it’s definitely in my top 10.  I love the fabric and I love that it’s handmade, which I know because the tag says is that it was “Especially handmade by Anne.”  So, thank you, Anne, wherever you may be, for making this awesome coat dress and for donating it for me to find.  You’re the best.

Also the best?  Meagan of Spunky Chateau for hosting the Thursday’s are for Thrifters link party.  Thanks, Meagan!

I have tomorrow off for Veterans Day, so I won’t be posting again until Monday.  I hope everyone has a lovely (and hopefully long) weekend.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

A Hot Mess in a Striped Sweater

I, and my outfits, have been photographing like a hot mess lately.  Take this outfit, for example:

I look like a hot mess in a striped sweater.  My skirt (vintage, thrifted) is crooked and my navy tights (Nordstrom) look black.  I have no complaints about my sweater (American Eagle Outfitters via TJ Maxx) or my booties (Nine West via TJ Maxx) though, so that’s something.  And my hair is respectably big today, so I guess that’s something as well. 

I think it's because I've been distracted with work.  But, no excuses.  Instead, I'm going to embrace it; that's right, folks, big hair and crooked skirts is just how I roll.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Gracey

EBEW: Tights of Color

Being the least crafty person in the blogosphere, I was forced to skip the Everybody, Everywear DIY challenge.  But there was no way I was skipping the tights of color challenge.  Not that I need a reason to wear these teal tights:

These tights are definitely some of my favorite.  I paired the tights (Hue via Macy’s) with a black sweater dress (Madison Leigh via Macy’s) layered over a print skirt (thrifted & re-fashioned, also worn here).  I added black wedge booties (Nine West “Peekaboo” via Piperlime) and a vintage belt (thrifted). 

I think this belt has the coolest buckle:

It’s oxidized* brass and was in this condition when I found it.  Instead of trying to clean it up, I sprayed it with clear spray paint to protect the oxidation and to keep it from rubbing off on my clothes.

Want to see more tights of color?  Visit Everybody, Everywear and enjoy the rainbow.

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

Gracey

Full Disclosure: I think oxidized is the right word, but I’m not a scientist (I don’t even play one on TV) so if I’m using the wrong word, please let me know in the comments.

Take Four: Fall Accessories from Coast to Coast

Hello, Dear Reader Friends!  I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  Even though it’s Monday (boo), I’m excited because today’s post is the next Take Four post – and we’re talking about fall accessories.  Accessories in my closet generally consist of either shoes or scarves.  And while scarves are perfect for fall (and anytime, really), I decided to go with shoes for today’s Take Four post.  In particular, these Seychelles booties:

I chose these booties because they incorporate two big trends for this fall; chunky heels and menswear-inspired.  But, the best part is that they also incorporate tassels and fringe.  I love tassels and fringe.  I wore the booties (Seychelles “Clue” via Nordstrom) with a goldenrod bow blouse (Gap) layered under my cranberry Mr. Rogers cardigan (vintage Jantzen, thrifted) with a grey midi-skirt (vintage, thrifted) and grey Swiss dot tights (Hue via Macys).  Sadly, this color combination photographed like I am Ronald McDonald's personal secretary, but I swear it was more flattering and less fast-food-empire in person (no, really, I swear!).

But, enough about me. Want to see some other fall accessories in action?  Of course you do!  In which case, might I suggest a visit the other ladies of Take Four?  As always, they are Kelsey of Charming Pumpkin, Karla of Frugal Big Girl and Bekah of Matters of Merrymaking.  Try it; I think you’ll like it.

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Gracey

I’ve Got This: Houndstooth

Houndstooth reminds me of the late 80s/early 90s; specifically, it reminds me of a pair of houndstooth stirrup pants from Victoria’s Secret that I coveted with all my heart.  That association makes me a little hesitant to embrace this fall’s houndstooth trend, but, as it turns out, it’s still something I’ve got in my closet:

I actually have a couple of houndstooth pieces in my closet and have for a couple of years now, but, don’t worry, no stirrup pants.  In fact, both pieces are skirts, one A-line and one pencil and today I wore the houndstooth pencil skirt:

I paired the skirt (thrifted) with a teal top (Nordstrom) under a men’s cranberry cardigan (vintage Jantzen, thrifted), a black faux-croc belt (INC via Macy’s), black tights (Spanx “Tight End Tights” via Nordstrom) and burgundy shoes (Naya “Jada” via Nordstrom).  Full disclosure: I copied this color scheme from Katha Strophe, whose blog, Kathastrophal, I’ve just started reading, but she said it was okay.

Also, it’s Thursday and I think we all know what that means.  That’s right, today is the Spunky Chateau Thurday’s are for Thrifters Link Party.  And, of course, I’m still linked up to the 260 Days, No Repeats “I’ve Got This” challenge.  Basically, it’s a pretty link-tastic day.

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey